Methamphetamine Withdrawal

Signs of Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine addiction is a devastating condition that quickly takes over leading to substantial consequences for the user. The signs of meth addiction are almost immediately noticeable by others but may be overlooked by the user him or herself. Parents, family members and loved ones must be able to quickly recognize the signs of meth addiction to ensure the safety of those they care about—if you wait too long, irreversible consequences could occur.

There is no such thing as recreational meth use! It’s just that simple! Methamphetamine use leads to addiction and it happens quickly. People who abuse methamphetamine are at an increased risk of infection, psychosis, anorexia, heart attack and death!

Not all of the signs of meth addiction can be seen by those who are not physically taking part in the drug use—friends and family members should be on the lookout for the obvious symptoms of meth addiction which include unexplainable loss of money or financial troubles, elusive behavior and significant weight loss. People who abuse meth will often have sores on their face or other areas of the body that are quickly noticeable by loved ones.

The longer an individual abuses this dangerous and potentially deadly drug that is made up of a combination of hazardous chemicals, the more prevalent the signs of meth addiction will be to others. Sustained methamphetamine use will rapidly cause dramatic changes in a user’s appearance and in many cases within just a few months a user will look like a totally different person. Pay close attention to any of the following signs of meth addiction if you suspect that a loved one is using this dangerous drug:

Extreme irritability and anxiety

Hallucinations or psychosis

Mood swings that include bouts of happiness followed by extreme depression

Suicidal tendencies or ideations

Staying up or awake for days at a time followed by periods of extreme exhaustion

Extreme and rapid weight loss

Irregular sleep patterns (meth users will often stay awake all night and sleep during the day)

Sinus infections that become chronic

Stuffy or runny nose that seemingly doesn’t go away

Reduced color in the skin, the user will often look pale, pasty or milky

Sunken eyes and dark circles under the eyes

Poor judgment or lack of attention

Meth mouth or dental problems which include extreme tooth decay

Spending time with new friends who share similar symptoms or signs of meth addiction

Neglecting responsibilities

While these are not all of the signs of meth addiction, they are some of the most common signs that there is a legitimate problem which requires treatment. People who continue to abuse methamphetamine will often suffer permanent damage to their organs as well as their brains as a result of the extremely hazardous chemicals that in the drug. Long term consequences including the risk of permanent psychosis or even death are all potential outcomes of meth addiction that goes untreated for a prolonged period of time.

Treatment for Meth Addiction

For those who suffer from this deadly disease, there is help! Treatment for meth addiction can be highly effective especially when the user gets help early on in their addiction. It’s important for friends and family members to recognize the signs of meth addiction in order to help their loved one find adequate treatment and care before the addiction has caused permanent damage to the organs, the mind or other aspects of the individual’s life. While treatment isn’t the easiest road for some users, it is the safest and most effective way to get past meth addiction, get back on track to healthy living and regain control of the mind, body and spirit.